Telephone Directories

Appeal for help after puppy is snatched by dogs

A DISTRAUGHT couple are appealing to local people to be
aware of vicious dogs in the Seymour Hill area after their pet pup was
dragged away by other animals in a brutal assault.

The appeal comes just days after Dolores and Thomas
Spratt's much loved puppy Ty was attacked by two dogs and dragged away.

While the couple were at a funeral Thomas's mother Mary,
72, was looking after the six-month-old Lakeland Terrier. She decided to
take the puppy for a walk not knowing the dreadful ordeal that was to
follow.

Grabbed

While walking along the back of the estate near Seycon
football pitch, Mary noticed an Alsatian and a Jack Russell 3so she changed
direction. Suddenly the dogs were beside her and within seconds the Alsatian
had grabbed little Ty by the back and ripped him off his collar and lead, running
away with him. A terrified Mary tried to chase after the dogs, hearing Ty's
painful yelps, but couldn't keep up. Her son says she is totally devastated
and still in shock.

"My mother is in a bad way. We have called in the dog warden but we really want people to be careful
as this could happen again and a child could be hurt. It is outrageous that
dangerous animals are allowed to roam the area. Something must be done. I don't blame the animals,
I blame their owner."

Mr Spratt says he and his wife want to know what happened
to their dog.

"We would like to know if anybody came across Ty after
the attack. We want closure so if anybody has seen his body please get in
touch. We think our dog is dead and we have walked the fields but there is
no sign of him. We don't want this to happen to anyone else."

A spokesperson for Lisburn City Council confirmed that
the Council's Dog Warden is currently investigating the incident. They
explained that under the current legislation they cannot take action against
the owner of a dog attacking another domestic pet. The Order only permits
action if a dog has attacked a person.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
recently undertook a public consultation on proposed changes to dog
legislation, which would allow action to be taken if a dog attacks another
dog. This consultation ringed on February 1 The Council can however take action against any owner for allowing their dog to stray in public.

If you have any information on the attack on Ty please
call Mr Spratt on 077I5042I04.